The regulation, which requires the disclosure of information about fuel efficiency, wet grip and rolling noise, will come into effect from 2012 onwards.

Axel C. Heitmann, chairman of the board of management at Lanxess AG, said: “With our modern high-performance rubber products, we can enable the tyre industry to comply already with the EU’s strict requirements on safer, environmentally friendly tyres.

“Because the number of vehicles worldwide will double within the next 25 years, the widpespread use of innovative tyre technologies is essential if we are to use fuels more efficiently and slow down climate change.”

According to Brussels Commission figures, around a quarter of CO2 emissions in the EU come from vehicle traffic.

Tyres are, specifically, responsible for about 20 to 30 per cent of a car’s fuel consumption.
The legislation is continuing its passage through the European Parliament. The draft text awaits the scrutiny of the Council of Ministers, the body representing the 27 EU member states, later this year.